dear friends,
with the presidential primaries right around the corner, i thought this would be a great opportunity for americans to watch a retrospective of governor huckabee 'in action.' below is "mike huckabee: a decade of duty." it covers governor huckabee's 10 1/2 year tenure as the governor of arkansas. it starts from the beginning with the scandal of governor tucker reneging on his resignation of the governorship, to hurricane katrina, to more personal observations of governor huckabee by staff and fellow arkansasians.
all the clips total a bit over half an hour. but you can watch them in 'installments.' ;) when you have some time, or have 5 minutes to spare...sit down and watch one of these clips. you really get a greater sense of governor huckabee and his style of leadership as well as his personal touch with people.
again, 'tis the holiday season...grab a warm beverage...sit back, and enjoy....mike huckabee's decade of duty.
just minutes before the planned inauguration of lt. governor huckabee, governor tucker calls saying he has changed his mind.
diversity in arkansas staff, taxes and improvements made in arkansas.
governor huckabee: a quick study and a hard worker.
governor huckabee's irrepressible humor.
governor huckabee's "triple wide trailer governor's mansion", his bass guitar playing and love of music, and his dramatic weight loss and his commitment to new health goals and lifestyle.
governor huckabee exhibiting his faith, leadership and pastoral compassion in the midst of local and federal tragedy and catastrophes.
"let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." matthew 5:16
christians for huckabee
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
CCN On the Road: "Interview with Mike Huckabee"
dear friends,
below is an interview by CCN in des moines, iowa, during a pastor's conference. this interview is unique. it is a more intimate, relaxed and personal conversation with governor huckabee. this 27 minute interview, gives you a greater sense of mike huckabee, the man... the pastor...and the leader. as you watch it, you get the sense that you are sitting down with a wise and seasoned pastor, and the president of the united states, at the same time. it is a bit lengthy, but well worth the watch.
so grab a warm beverage, sit back, relax and enjoy... a conversation with mike huckabee.
christians for mike huckabee
below is an interview by CCN in des moines, iowa, during a pastor's conference. this interview is unique. it is a more intimate, relaxed and personal conversation with governor huckabee. this 27 minute interview, gives you a greater sense of mike huckabee, the man... the pastor...and the leader. as you watch it, you get the sense that you are sitting down with a wise and seasoned pastor, and the president of the united states, at the same time. it is a bit lengthy, but well worth the watch.
so grab a warm beverage, sit back, relax and enjoy... a conversation with mike huckabee.
christians for mike huckabee
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Huckabee: "Refreshing Common Sense"
friends,
below is an interview with neil cavuto on fox news. it runs about 10 minutes, but is a 'must watch'. governor huckabee addresses questions from foreign policy to taxes, and does so with ANSWERS THAT JUST PLAIN MAKE SENSE! they speak to the common sense of the american people. it's not that political jibberish we're so used to hearing. it's common sense innovative solutions and answers to today's complex issues and questions. how refreshing!!
the second clip, is a video of governor huckabee with wolf blitzer this past weekend. it's the second part of a two part interview. again, governor huckabee talks to the american people with experience and wisdom.
give them a watch!!
"the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." proverbs 9:10
christians for mike huckabee
below is an interview with neil cavuto on fox news. it runs about 10 minutes, but is a 'must watch'. governor huckabee addresses questions from foreign policy to taxes, and does so with ANSWERS THAT JUST PLAIN MAKE SENSE! they speak to the common sense of the american people. it's not that political jibberish we're so used to hearing. it's common sense innovative solutions and answers to today's complex issues and questions. how refreshing!!
the second clip, is a video of governor huckabee with wolf blitzer this past weekend. it's the second part of a two part interview. again, governor huckabee talks to the american people with experience and wisdom.
give them a watch!!
"the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." proverbs 9:10
christians for mike huckabee
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Politics & the Media: SPINNING out of control...
dear friends,
where to start? well, i've gotta start off by saying, "I HATE POLITICS!!!"
now that i've got that off my chest....if you have read my previous blog posts, you know that up to now (and mike huckabee) i have never been interested or involved in anything remotely political. it was only after learning of governor huckabee, that i felt compelled and convicted to get involved. after 4 months of blogging for governor huckabee, and watching the goings-ons of all the candidates, campaigns, christian leaders, and the media. i find myself thoroughly and constantly disgusted, incensed, infuriated and frustrated. this is the world of politics?! yuck! no thank you!!!
to watch "politics-in-action" it is no wonder that the majority of americans (and especially evangelical christians) disdain and avoid politics altogether. IT IS DISGUSTING!!! and i think i'm putting it rather mildly!
recently, with governor huckabee's rise in the polls, things are definitely heating up. it is like a crazy political rollercoaster ride of ups, downs, twists and turns. the opposing campaigns and the media are in attack mode. (and i'm sure it'll get worse, before it gets any better...) they are jockeying for position, pushing and shoving their way into the limelight and to the top of the heap. and it's not pretty.
as i watch, i can't believe my eyes, or my ears. i watch and listen as candidates, their campaigns and the media LIE, TWIST, EMBELLISH, MALIGN, and MISREPRESENT..and all this under the harmless word of, "spin??"
i watch as men like fred thompson, mitt romney and groups like the club for growth and the liberal media continue to attack governor huckabee. they BLATANTLY LIE , BIASELY TWIST THE FACTS, and TAKE THINGS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTEXT in an effort to intentionally mislead the public.
it's NOT about reporting the news in a 'fair and balanced manner.' and it's NOT about "reporting the facts." the media are notoriously biased and liberal. this is a well known fact. but more recently, they have become unabashedly more blatant.
i must say, i've heard so much about the 'religion thing' the past few weeks, and not much of it has been very positive. but yesterday, i heard a great answer by governor huckabee on the subject. a reporter was asking if people of various religions (other than christianity) could or would be a good president or should it even be an issue? governor huckabee responded, (paraphrased), "it doesn't matter what religion they say the are. the issue is, once they state what religion they are affiliated with, are their lives are consistent with that faith's beliefs and tenets?" i agree with governor huckabee... basically, we're looking for consistency and commitment to their faith. let's see it!!! whatever it is!!
friends, in this presidential primary, what do you see? these candidates that are aggressively vying for the spotlight....are these men that talk of "faith in america", and "conservative values"... walking the talk? how are they conducting themselves and their campaigns?
ironically, the candidates that are trying to align themselves with evangelical christians, the faith and values voters groups, and the social conservatives....these candidates are fred thompson and mitt romney. both these men profess to have a faith in Jesus Christ. yet, these two men have been the most aggressive in the negative ads and nasty campaigning thus far. isn't this a contradiction??
they are pandering to the evangelical christian and social conservative, but they are conducting themselves more negatively than non-christians like guliani and mccain.
sadly, within this world of politics and spin, i don't see much honesty, character and integrity. instead, i see politics running in amuck..in "full force". whether this type of behavior is the 'norm' or not for this presidential race, it does not make it not make it any more palatable. frankly, it's ugly. it's distasteful. it's offensive. and many americans and christians alike, are sick and tired of it.
instead, i believe america is looking and longing for something different. personally, as a christian voter, i am looking for a man of character, integrity, and competency. i'm not looking for perfection. it does not exist. i'm not looking to agree with the candidate 100% on all the issues and all his opinions. rather, I AM LOOKING FOR SOMEBODY WITH INTEGRITY, THAT I CAN TRUST. somebody who's life reflects his beliefs. i'm looking for somebody that conducts himself in a manner, that i feel exemplifies character, honesty and integrity. a man that i can trust to represent and make decisions for me, my family and america with honor.
for me, it really boils down to the "man, himself." DO I TRUST HIM? DO I BELIEVE IN HIM?
what i greatly appreciate about governor huckabee is....HE IS, WHAT HE IS. he is honest and sincere. he addresses questions forthrightly. if he makes a mistake, he says so. he is a refreshing breath of fresh air, in the toxic world of politics. he is not trying to "repackage himself" or "spin himself", to suit the voters. he is what he is, and what he has been. he hasn't changed radically. he is consistent. now, i didn't' say he was perfect. but significantly more consistent than any of the other candidates.
interestingly enough, as the media and opposing campaigns pick-pick-pick away at issues in governor huckabee's past...why aren't the media pick-pick-picking away at any of the other candidates with significantly more inconsistent and torrid pasts? it seems almost a coincidence, that the two opposing candidates that have been the most aggressive in negative attacks, have also enjoyed a somewhat 'free pass' from the media on their own issues of inconsistency and controversy? this is a bit puzzling and disconcerting.
over the years, organizations like focus on the family and afa, have taught and encouraged christians to stand up for their beliefs and principles. they have taught us to be bold, and to have a voice in the public square on issues that effect our faith and families. the presidential election is no different. to the degree that evangelical christians comprise a good percent of america, we also have the power to object to negative campaigning and biased media coverage. we have a voice, and we have the economic muscle. friends, it's time to use it!!!
we do not have to sit back and tolerate politics and the media's spin. we can communicate our displeasure; turn off the t.v., stop buying the paper or magazine, and not vote for that candidate. friends, we do have the power to make a difference. let's do it!!!
onward, christians....because OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!
" He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; i shall not be greatly moved." psalm 62:2
where to start? well, i've gotta start off by saying, "I HATE POLITICS!!!"
now that i've got that off my chest....if you have read my previous blog posts, you know that up to now (and mike huckabee) i have never been interested or involved in anything remotely political. it was only after learning of governor huckabee, that i felt compelled and convicted to get involved. after 4 months of blogging for governor huckabee, and watching the goings-ons of all the candidates, campaigns, christian leaders, and the media. i find myself thoroughly and constantly disgusted, incensed, infuriated and frustrated. this is the world of politics?! yuck! no thank you!!!
to watch "politics-in-action" it is no wonder that the majority of americans (and especially evangelical christians) disdain and avoid politics altogether. IT IS DISGUSTING!!! and i think i'm putting it rather mildly!
recently, with governor huckabee's rise in the polls, things are definitely heating up. it is like a crazy political rollercoaster ride of ups, downs, twists and turns. the opposing campaigns and the media are in attack mode. (and i'm sure it'll get worse, before it gets any better...) they are jockeying for position, pushing and shoving their way into the limelight and to the top of the heap. and it's not pretty.
as i watch, i can't believe my eyes, or my ears. i watch and listen as candidates, their campaigns and the media LIE, TWIST, EMBELLISH, MALIGN, and MISREPRESENT..and all this under the harmless word of, "spin??"
i watch as men like fred thompson, mitt romney and groups like the club for growth and the liberal media continue to attack governor huckabee. they BLATANTLY LIE , BIASELY TWIST THE FACTS, and TAKE THINGS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTEXT in an effort to intentionally mislead the public.
it's NOT about reporting the news in a 'fair and balanced manner.' and it's NOT about "reporting the facts." the media are notoriously biased and liberal. this is a well known fact. but more recently, they have become unabashedly more blatant.
i must say, i've heard so much about the 'religion thing' the past few weeks, and not much of it has been very positive. but yesterday, i heard a great answer by governor huckabee on the subject. a reporter was asking if people of various religions (other than christianity) could or would be a good president or should it even be an issue? governor huckabee responded, (paraphrased), "it doesn't matter what religion they say the are. the issue is, once they state what religion they are affiliated with, are their lives are consistent with that faith's beliefs and tenets?" i agree with governor huckabee... basically, we're looking for consistency and commitment to their faith. let's see it!!! whatever it is!!
friends, in this presidential primary, what do you see? these candidates that are aggressively vying for the spotlight....are these men that talk of "faith in america", and "conservative values"... walking the talk? how are they conducting themselves and their campaigns?
ironically, the candidates that are trying to align themselves with evangelical christians, the faith and values voters groups, and the social conservatives....these candidates are fred thompson and mitt romney. both these men profess to have a faith in Jesus Christ. yet, these two men have been the most aggressive in the negative ads and nasty campaigning thus far. isn't this a contradiction??
they are pandering to the evangelical christian and social conservative, but they are conducting themselves more negatively than non-christians like guliani and mccain.
sadly, within this world of politics and spin, i don't see much honesty, character and integrity. instead, i see politics running in amuck..in "full force". whether this type of behavior is the 'norm' or not for this presidential race, it does not make it not make it any more palatable. frankly, it's ugly. it's distasteful. it's offensive. and many americans and christians alike, are sick and tired of it.
instead, i believe america is looking and longing for something different. personally, as a christian voter, i am looking for a man of character, integrity, and competency. i'm not looking for perfection. it does not exist. i'm not looking to agree with the candidate 100% on all the issues and all his opinions. rather, I AM LOOKING FOR SOMEBODY WITH INTEGRITY, THAT I CAN TRUST. somebody who's life reflects his beliefs. i'm looking for somebody that conducts himself in a manner, that i feel exemplifies character, honesty and integrity. a man that i can trust to represent and make decisions for me, my family and america with honor.
for me, it really boils down to the "man, himself." DO I TRUST HIM? DO I BELIEVE IN HIM?
what i greatly appreciate about governor huckabee is....HE IS, WHAT HE IS. he is honest and sincere. he addresses questions forthrightly. if he makes a mistake, he says so. he is a refreshing breath of fresh air, in the toxic world of politics. he is not trying to "repackage himself" or "spin himself", to suit the voters. he is what he is, and what he has been. he hasn't changed radically. he is consistent. now, i didn't' say he was perfect. but significantly more consistent than any of the other candidates.
interestingly enough, as the media and opposing campaigns pick-pick-pick away at issues in governor huckabee's past...why aren't the media pick-pick-picking away at any of the other candidates with significantly more inconsistent and torrid pasts? it seems almost a coincidence, that the two opposing candidates that have been the most aggressive in negative attacks, have also enjoyed a somewhat 'free pass' from the media on their own issues of inconsistency and controversy? this is a bit puzzling and disconcerting.
over the years, organizations like focus on the family and afa, have taught and encouraged christians to stand up for their beliefs and principles. they have taught us to be bold, and to have a voice in the public square on issues that effect our faith and families. the presidential election is no different. to the degree that evangelical christians comprise a good percent of america, we also have the power to object to negative campaigning and biased media coverage. we have a voice, and we have the economic muscle. friends, it's time to use it!!!
we do not have to sit back and tolerate politics and the media's spin. we can communicate our displeasure; turn off the t.v., stop buying the paper or magazine, and not vote for that candidate. friends, we do have the power to make a difference. let's do it!!!
onward, christians....because OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!
" He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; i shall not be greatly moved." psalm 62:2
Monday, December 10, 2007
A DOUBLE STANDARD: "Where is the tolerance FOR CHRISTIANS??"
dear friends,
recently, i read an interesting article by matt lewis at townhall.com's blog regarding the DOUBLE STANDARD that is being applied to religion in politics. here are a few excerpts:
"... I'm noticing a disturbing trend emerging in politics. While Mitt Romney's Mormonism is politically unassailable, Mike Huckabee is beginning to be portrayed as a "kook" -- for referencing his faith.
Specifically, some pundits disapprove of Huckabee's inference to a student that his surge in the polls was due to prayer.
In any event, let's not have a double-standard. If criticizing Romney's religion is off-the-table, then Huckabee's faith should also be off-the-table."
the entire article can be found here.
this article caused me to think more about the issues of "double standards" in regards to religion...specifically, christianity and in this case, governor mike huckabee.
this past week, mitt romney made a highly publicized and touted speech, "faith in america". romney's speech was a political attempt to shift focus and decry bigotry towards his mormon faith. romney exhorted americans to tolerance, liberty and understanding. many in the media were quick to agree, with accolades and warm 'bravos' and "amens".
it seemed most people (especially the media) agreed. romney had a point, a good point. basically, don't bother or badger romney about his mormon faith. it is OFF LIMITS. it would be deemed bigotry. it is unseemly (very "un-american"), unfair and intolerant. end of story.
that being said...now fast forward to mike huckabee's campaign. on a daily basis, governor huckabee is CONSTANTLY, INCESSANTLY, REPEATEDLY and EXCESSIVELY being asked specific detailed questions about his faith, his theology, his personal views on specific biblical precepts. for instance, "if being a christian and a pastor would effect his ability to be president?" "would his christian beliefs effect or influence how he governs?"does he think God has divine providence for Him to be president?" "does he think so-and-so will go to heaven?", "does he believe the bible? every word of it?"...it goes on and on and on and on....
not only do the media feel it is permissible, but they seem to act as if they have the "right" to ask these questions. they almost appear to be on a mission. seemingly, like a mandate to "find out these things" on behalf of the american people. journalistic responsibility and excellence!
we all know, they ask these questions, not because they "truly want to know or to understand" the issues. it is simply an attempt to stir up controversy, acquire ammunition and fodder for the next few news stories. or alternatively, they do so in an effort to strengthen the position on behalf of an opposing candidate they favor.
now...if, for some reason, governor huckabee refused to answer the "christian questions"...if he were to scoff at them, or attempt to avoid them altogether... the media will immediately call, "foul!!" and accuse governor huckabee of being evasive and not forthright...somehow untrustworthy.."un-christian".
indeed, friends..clearly, THIS IS A DOUBLE STANDARD.
and this double standard manifests itself in the everyday lives of the christian. this is not new news. friends, what governor huckabee is currently going through with the media, is what christians all over the world experience. unfortunately, governor huckabee has to endure it primetime, on national television.
why is it re: issues like mormonism, homosexuality, muslims and abortion, christians are constantly being admonished to be tolerant.
yet, when the topic shifts to anything regarding christianity or Jesus Christ, the rules change radically. if a christian asserts their rights, immediately they are attacked, hounded and condemned by the media. immediately there is an outcry of 'separation of church and state!', 'fundamentalist christians!', 'social conservatives!'
conversely, if a mormon, homosexual, muslim or pro-choice person feels their rights have been somehow violated. if they feel they have not been treated fairly. this becomes a media story of intolerance, bigotry, prejudice. we are immediately called upon and admonished to be "tolerant"....to understand differences and embrace them. don't judge. they cry, "who are YOU to say something is wrong.. we all have our own standards...everybody just do your own thing, and we'll live happily together in our diversity." nice thought, BUT.....
friends, if there is no standard...there is no place from which to measure right and wrong. if the standards move...the entire society moves. we see it happening today, before our very eyes. the standards are randomly being moved...and our society is moving....and folks, most americans would agree, it is NOT in a good direction.
with no standards, there is no moral code. everybody just "does what they feel is right to them." which is highly subjective. inevitably, anarchy ensues. and we, as christians, are all to stand by and simply be "tolerant."
indeed, this is an ongoing spiritual issue that is being played out over and over now, in schools, government etc....examples such as christian children in public schools, being denied an after school bible study on campus. yet, muslim children are afforded one hour of 'school time' with supervisors and special speakers to practice their muslim religion. reading of the koran and learning about the muslim religion is mandatory curriculum. however, reading from the Bible is prohibited. (separation of church and state, you know...) opening government sessions with prayer is now become controversial and even prohibited in some instances. yet, having a muslim or buddhist to open a session is not only okay, but applauded as exhibiting understanding and tolerance of other religions. yes, folks there is clearly a double standard, here.
now, here we have an unapologetic evangelical christian like mike huckabee running for the president of united states. it is abundantly clear, that governor huckabee is also on the receiving end of this same double standard. governor huckabee, is currently leading the pack and the polls. he is proving to be a viable contender to win the nomination. the reality of this threat, gives occasion for many to go on the attack. the wolves are coming out in force. in many ways, governor huckabee's campaign and his bid for the presidency is a microcosm of what is happening all over america to many christians. it seems more frequently, christians' rights are being violated, in the name of 'tolerance' for others. indeed, it seems clear, we are in the last days. (maranatha!)
but, for those that are constantly calling for christians to be "tolerant".....where is the "tolerance from the tolerant??" where is the tolerance for christians and what we value??"
friends, we are all different and diverse, we all have preferences. and we live in a country that affords us many glorious freedoms. however, we cannot allow these freedoms to come back to bite us. with too much rope, we can surely hang ourselves. we must have a standard. we must have a moral code by which to live. and no man, in his finite capacity can determine what the balance and standard should be. we need to look to Whom our founding father's looked and depended. we need to go back to what our country was founded upon, and by which it flourished. we need to get back to God and the Bible. we need to refocus and recalibrate. we need to find our bearings again.
although, many cry "tolerance!" on the contrary, i believe as a country, we should be crying , "dependence!" .... dependence upon God.
as governor huckabee continues his bid for the white house, he will surely endure more unfair attacks, accusations, questions and unfair reporting. indeed, the double standard will continue.
friends, we need to PRAY FOR GOVERNOR HUCKABEE. we need to pray for our country. we need to pray for the christians across america. we are blessed to have freedoms in america that others around the world do not enjoy. we have the luxury of democracy and the freedom of religion. we must continue to pray, and work to maintain these freedoms, lest we become like others around the world that have lost that liberty and suffer and are peresecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
christians, this double standard issue is much larger thing than just governor huckabee and the presidential race. it is rampant throughout the country and the world. as christians, we must do what we can practically, to help secure and maintain our christian religious freedoms. in many ways, christians are now the underdogs. we are now the one's that must fight for our rights, liberties and freedoms. it has come to a time, that we can no longer take these religious liberties for granted. it now requires greater involvement and commitment on behalf of the christian. we must stand up and fight for what we believe. like governor huckabee said in his speech in washington d.c. "we believe in some things.. we live and die by these things...we won't sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics."
christians, it is time to mobilize and get involved. it is time to assert ourseslves, and let our voices be heard.
because our God is so faithful,
"be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." joshua 1:9
christians for mike huckabee
recently, i read an interesting article by matt lewis at townhall.com's blog regarding the DOUBLE STANDARD that is being applied to religion in politics. here are a few excerpts:
"... I'm noticing a disturbing trend emerging in politics. While Mitt Romney's Mormonism is politically unassailable, Mike Huckabee is beginning to be portrayed as a "kook" -- for referencing his faith.
Specifically, some pundits disapprove of Huckabee's inference to a student that his surge in the polls was due to prayer.
In any event, let's not have a double-standard. If criticizing Romney's religion is off-the-table, then Huckabee's faith should also be off-the-table."
the entire article can be found here.
this article caused me to think more about the issues of "double standards" in regards to religion...specifically, christianity and in this case, governor mike huckabee.
this past week, mitt romney made a highly publicized and touted speech, "faith in america". romney's speech was a political attempt to shift focus and decry bigotry towards his mormon faith. romney exhorted americans to tolerance, liberty and understanding. many in the media were quick to agree, with accolades and warm 'bravos' and "amens".
it seemed most people (especially the media) agreed. romney had a point, a good point. basically, don't bother or badger romney about his mormon faith. it is OFF LIMITS. it would be deemed bigotry. it is unseemly (very "un-american"), unfair and intolerant. end of story.
that being said...now fast forward to mike huckabee's campaign. on a daily basis, governor huckabee is CONSTANTLY, INCESSANTLY, REPEATEDLY and EXCESSIVELY being asked specific detailed questions about his faith, his theology, his personal views on specific biblical precepts. for instance, "if being a christian and a pastor would effect his ability to be president?" "would his christian beliefs effect or influence how he governs?"does he think God has divine providence for Him to be president?" "does he think so-and-so will go to heaven?", "does he believe the bible? every word of it?"...it goes on and on and on and on....
not only do the media feel it is permissible, but they seem to act as if they have the "right" to ask these questions. they almost appear to be on a mission. seemingly, like a mandate to "find out these things" on behalf of the american people. journalistic responsibility and excellence!
we all know, they ask these questions, not because they "truly want to know or to understand" the issues. it is simply an attempt to stir up controversy, acquire ammunition and fodder for the next few news stories. or alternatively, they do so in an effort to strengthen the position on behalf of an opposing candidate they favor.
now...if, for some reason, governor huckabee refused to answer the "christian questions"...if he were to scoff at them, or attempt to avoid them altogether... the media will immediately call, "foul!!" and accuse governor huckabee of being evasive and not forthright...somehow untrustworthy.."un-christian".
indeed, friends..clearly, THIS IS A DOUBLE STANDARD.
and this double standard manifests itself in the everyday lives of the christian. this is not new news. friends, what governor huckabee is currently going through with the media, is what christians all over the world experience. unfortunately, governor huckabee has to endure it primetime, on national television.
why is it re: issues like mormonism, homosexuality, muslims and abortion, christians are constantly being admonished to be tolerant.
yet, when the topic shifts to anything regarding christianity or Jesus Christ, the rules change radically. if a christian asserts their rights, immediately they are attacked, hounded and condemned by the media. immediately there is an outcry of 'separation of church and state!', 'fundamentalist christians!', 'social conservatives!'
conversely, if a mormon, homosexual, muslim or pro-choice person feels their rights have been somehow violated. if they feel they have not been treated fairly. this becomes a media story of intolerance, bigotry, prejudice. we are immediately called upon and admonished to be "tolerant"....to understand differences and embrace them. don't judge. they cry, "who are YOU to say something is wrong.. we all have our own standards...everybody just do your own thing, and we'll live happily together in our diversity." nice thought, BUT.....
friends, if there is no standard...there is no place from which to measure right and wrong. if the standards move...the entire society moves. we see it happening today, before our very eyes. the standards are randomly being moved...and our society is moving....and folks, most americans would agree, it is NOT in a good direction.
with no standards, there is no moral code. everybody just "does what they feel is right to them." which is highly subjective. inevitably, anarchy ensues. and we, as christians, are all to stand by and simply be "tolerant."
indeed, this is an ongoing spiritual issue that is being played out over and over now, in schools, government etc....examples such as christian children in public schools, being denied an after school bible study on campus. yet, muslim children are afforded one hour of 'school time' with supervisors and special speakers to practice their muslim religion. reading of the koran and learning about the muslim religion is mandatory curriculum. however, reading from the Bible is prohibited. (separation of church and state, you know...) opening government sessions with prayer is now become controversial and even prohibited in some instances. yet, having a muslim or buddhist to open a session is not only okay, but applauded as exhibiting understanding and tolerance of other religions. yes, folks there is clearly a double standard, here.
now, here we have an unapologetic evangelical christian like mike huckabee running for the president of united states. it is abundantly clear, that governor huckabee is also on the receiving end of this same double standard. governor huckabee, is currently leading the pack and the polls. he is proving to be a viable contender to win the nomination. the reality of this threat, gives occasion for many to go on the attack. the wolves are coming out in force. in many ways, governor huckabee's campaign and his bid for the presidency is a microcosm of what is happening all over america to many christians. it seems more frequently, christians' rights are being violated, in the name of 'tolerance' for others. indeed, it seems clear, we are in the last days. (maranatha!)
but, for those that are constantly calling for christians to be "tolerant".....where is the "tolerance from the tolerant??" where is the tolerance for christians and what we value??"
friends, we are all different and diverse, we all have preferences. and we live in a country that affords us many glorious freedoms. however, we cannot allow these freedoms to come back to bite us. with too much rope, we can surely hang ourselves. we must have a standard. we must have a moral code by which to live. and no man, in his finite capacity can determine what the balance and standard should be. we need to look to Whom our founding father's looked and depended. we need to go back to what our country was founded upon, and by which it flourished. we need to get back to God and the Bible. we need to refocus and recalibrate. we need to find our bearings again.
although, many cry "tolerance!" on the contrary, i believe as a country, we should be crying , "dependence!" .... dependence upon God.
as governor huckabee continues his bid for the white house, he will surely endure more unfair attacks, accusations, questions and unfair reporting. indeed, the double standard will continue.
friends, we need to PRAY FOR GOVERNOR HUCKABEE. we need to pray for our country. we need to pray for the christians across america. we are blessed to have freedoms in america that others around the world do not enjoy. we have the luxury of democracy and the freedom of religion. we must continue to pray, and work to maintain these freedoms, lest we become like others around the world that have lost that liberty and suffer and are peresecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
christians, this double standard issue is much larger thing than just governor huckabee and the presidential race. it is rampant throughout the country and the world. as christians, we must do what we can practically, to help secure and maintain our christian religious freedoms. in many ways, christians are now the underdogs. we are now the one's that must fight for our rights, liberties and freedoms. it has come to a time, that we can no longer take these religious liberties for granted. it now requires greater involvement and commitment on behalf of the christian. we must stand up and fight for what we believe. like governor huckabee said in his speech in washington d.c. "we believe in some things.. we live and die by these things...we won't sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics."
christians, it is time to mobilize and get involved. it is time to assert ourseslves, and let our voices be heard.
because our God is so faithful,
"be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." joshua 1:9
christians for mike huckabee
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Dumond Case: "The UNREPORTED Facts ..."
friends,
recently, there has been a deluge of media criticism regarding governor huckabee and the wayne dumond case. there have been countless news programs and news articles detailing governor huckabee's so-call responsibility and involvement in this case. unfortunately, ALL THE FACTS OF THE CASE HAVE NOT BEEN ACCURATELY REPORTED.
below is an article written by brian cherry of 'the new media journal'. in it, mr. cherry presents details of the case that have not been widely reported in the main stream media. mr. cherry presents the history and background of the case. he also explains commutation, pardon and parole in the state of arkasas, and specifically, governor huckabee's role in this case.
here a few excerpts: (note: this article contains colorful commentary and graphic details.)
"...Wayne Dumond’s journey to freedom started when Bill Clinton’s liberal Democrat successor to Governorship of Arkansas, Jim Guy Tucker, commuted Dumond’s sentence from life plus twenty years to a total of 39 years. Thanks to Tucker this dangerous predator became eligible for parole in 1994 instead of being locked away from society forever. Huckabee inherited this issue when Guy Tucker was convicted of corruption associated with the Whitewater investigation and forced to resign.
In 1999 the parole board took a vote regarding the release of Dumond, and the majority cast their lot in favor of letting him out of jail. Portraying this democratic vote to parole a convict as a gubernatorial pardon is about as accurate as describing the landslide victory of Ronald Reagan as a great moment in the history of despotic power grabs.
Ever since the release and subsequent crimes of Dumond, the members of the parole board responsible for his freedom have used the occasion of a Huckabee election cycle to rush to any available microphone and claim that the Governor forced them to parole the rapist.
Every member of the parole board that freed Dumond was either appointed by Bill Clinton or Jim Guy Tucker; both liberal Democrats and opponents of Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee was never shy about his intentions regarding Dumond, he leaned heavily to the side of seeing the man released. The parole board saw it this way, too. The reasons for this were because compelling evidence shed light on the possibility that Dumond was actually not guilty. Any good Governor or parole board would do their ethical best to err on the side justice.
The case was politically charged in the state of Arkansas because the victim in the rape that sent Wayne Dumond to prison for life plus twenty years was Ashley Stevens, a teenaged cheerleader and cousin of Bill Clinton.
Let’s ignore the sympathy for Dumond that was inspired when he was assaulted in his home, hogtied, castrated, and his testicles displayed in a jar on the desk of Sheriff Coolidge Conlee. According to Steve Dunleavy of the New York Post, Conlee even put a note under the body parts that stated "That's what happens to people who fool around in my county." Sympathy isn’t evidence, even though it may sway the sort who participates in the politics of really bitter tears, we shouldn’t release criminals because we feel sorry for them. In the case of Wayne Dumond his release was partly due to the fact that the victim’s account and the evidence were at odds.
One of the most emotionally charged moments in this continuing saga was when Ashley Stevens went nearly nose to nose with Governor Huckabee and said, "This is how close I was to Wayne Dumond, and I will never forget his face, and you will never forget mine. He's the one that raped me." Oddly enough, according to NewsMax, she couldn’t remember the eye color of the man whose face she would “never forget”. When giving a description of Dumond she got this basic fact wrong along with a botched description of the vehicle he was driving.
There are other problems with this case that are on a genetic level, and when we say “genetic” we don’t mean the foggy memory that seems to kick in whenever somebody with Clinton DNA has to answer questions. We mean that the DNA from the crime scene didn’t match that of Wayne Dumond.
Dr. Moses Schanfield, who heads the Analytic Genetic Testing Center in Denver, took the semen sample left on Ashley’s jeans, and tested it to see if it matched Wayne Dumond at a genetic level. After the results of the test were in, Schanfield told New York Post reporter, Steve Dunleavy, that "This case was a disgrace" and that sperm found on the girl's jeans could not “in a million years” belong to Dumond. Moses Schafield testified to this fact during one of Dumond’s appeals.
In the end Wayne Dumond was sent to, and kept in jail based on nothing more then the word of the victim, a botched description, and DNA that was a negative match for his.
People can speculate all they want on Huckabee’s involvement in this issue and the parole board members can continue to try to blame him for the vote that they made of their own free will; that’s just the politicized world we live in today.
We can also ask questions like did the criminal castration and imprisonment of an innocent man turn him into a monster, or was Dumond already a monster who got framed for a crime he didn’t commit? All this is open for consideration. The fact that cannot be contested is that Dumond was paroled by a vote of board members that were all appointed by liberal Democrats, not pardoned by Governor Huckabee who happens to be a Republican; these are two completely different things.
The parole board is an independent entity that used its constitutional power to secure Dumond’s release. In Arkansas, the Governor has no vote or say in this process. Huckabee’s only legal action in this case was to deny Executive Clemency. These are facts that ABC not only didn’t present, but distorted either by incompetence or design.
it is frustrating and pathetic, that the media can distort the facts so purposefully. they have such power to wield. simply a headline accusing governor huckabee can mislead the public, leading to foregone conclusions.
despite the media's intense "spin" on this case, governor huckabee continues to graciously and consistently address the issues presented, with the truth. that's all he can do.
friends, let's pray for governor huckabee. pray that God will sustain him, as he perseveres through the media and opponents' attacks. and pray that americans will see past the 'spin', and seek and see the truth.
prayer is our weapon... for we serve a mighty God!
"the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. on the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 corinthians 10:4
recently, there has been a deluge of media criticism regarding governor huckabee and the wayne dumond case. there have been countless news programs and news articles detailing governor huckabee's so-call responsibility and involvement in this case. unfortunately, ALL THE FACTS OF THE CASE HAVE NOT BEEN ACCURATELY REPORTED.
below is an article written by brian cherry of 'the new media journal'. in it, mr. cherry presents details of the case that have not been widely reported in the main stream media. mr. cherry presents the history and background of the case. he also explains commutation, pardon and parole in the state of arkasas, and specifically, governor huckabee's role in this case.
here a few excerpts: (note: this article contains colorful commentary and graphic details.)
"...Wayne Dumond’s journey to freedom started when Bill Clinton’s liberal Democrat successor to Governorship of Arkansas, Jim Guy Tucker, commuted Dumond’s sentence from life plus twenty years to a total of 39 years. Thanks to Tucker this dangerous predator became eligible for parole in 1994 instead of being locked away from society forever. Huckabee inherited this issue when Guy Tucker was convicted of corruption associated with the Whitewater investigation and forced to resign.
In 1999 the parole board took a vote regarding the release of Dumond, and the majority cast their lot in favor of letting him out of jail. Portraying this democratic vote to parole a convict as a gubernatorial pardon is about as accurate as describing the landslide victory of Ronald Reagan as a great moment in the history of despotic power grabs.
Ever since the release and subsequent crimes of Dumond, the members of the parole board responsible for his freedom have used the occasion of a Huckabee election cycle to rush to any available microphone and claim that the Governor forced them to parole the rapist.
Every member of the parole board that freed Dumond was either appointed by Bill Clinton or Jim Guy Tucker; both liberal Democrats and opponents of Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee was never shy about his intentions regarding Dumond, he leaned heavily to the side of seeing the man released. The parole board saw it this way, too. The reasons for this were because compelling evidence shed light on the possibility that Dumond was actually not guilty. Any good Governor or parole board would do their ethical best to err on the side justice.
The case was politically charged in the state of Arkansas because the victim in the rape that sent Wayne Dumond to prison for life plus twenty years was Ashley Stevens, a teenaged cheerleader and cousin of Bill Clinton.
Let’s ignore the sympathy for Dumond that was inspired when he was assaulted in his home, hogtied, castrated, and his testicles displayed in a jar on the desk of Sheriff Coolidge Conlee. According to Steve Dunleavy of the New York Post, Conlee even put a note under the body parts that stated "That's what happens to people who fool around in my county." Sympathy isn’t evidence, even though it may sway the sort who participates in the politics of really bitter tears, we shouldn’t release criminals because we feel sorry for them. In the case of Wayne Dumond his release was partly due to the fact that the victim’s account and the evidence were at odds.
One of the most emotionally charged moments in this continuing saga was when Ashley Stevens went nearly nose to nose with Governor Huckabee and said, "This is how close I was to Wayne Dumond, and I will never forget his face, and you will never forget mine. He's the one that raped me." Oddly enough, according to NewsMax, she couldn’t remember the eye color of the man whose face she would “never forget”. When giving a description of Dumond she got this basic fact wrong along with a botched description of the vehicle he was driving.
There are other problems with this case that are on a genetic level, and when we say “genetic” we don’t mean the foggy memory that seems to kick in whenever somebody with Clinton DNA has to answer questions. We mean that the DNA from the crime scene didn’t match that of Wayne Dumond.
Dr. Moses Schanfield, who heads the Analytic Genetic Testing Center in Denver, took the semen sample left on Ashley’s jeans, and tested it to see if it matched Wayne Dumond at a genetic level. After the results of the test were in, Schanfield told New York Post reporter, Steve Dunleavy, that "This case was a disgrace" and that sperm found on the girl's jeans could not “in a million years” belong to Dumond. Moses Schafield testified to this fact during one of Dumond’s appeals.
In the end Wayne Dumond was sent to, and kept in jail based on nothing more then the word of the victim, a botched description, and DNA that was a negative match for his.
People can speculate all they want on Huckabee’s involvement in this issue and the parole board members can continue to try to blame him for the vote that they made of their own free will; that’s just the politicized world we live in today.
We can also ask questions like did the criminal castration and imprisonment of an innocent man turn him into a monster, or was Dumond already a monster who got framed for a crime he didn’t commit? All this is open for consideration. The fact that cannot be contested is that Dumond was paroled by a vote of board members that were all appointed by liberal Democrats, not pardoned by Governor Huckabee who happens to be a Republican; these are two completely different things.
The parole board is an independent entity that used its constitutional power to secure Dumond’s release. In Arkansas, the Governor has no vote or say in this process. Huckabee’s only legal action in this case was to deny Executive Clemency. These are facts that ABC not only didn’t present, but distorted either by incompetence or design.
the entire article can be found here.
it is frustrating and pathetic, that the media can distort the facts so purposefully. they have such power to wield. simply a headline accusing governor huckabee can mislead the public, leading to foregone conclusions.
despite the media's intense "spin" on this case, governor huckabee continues to graciously and consistently address the issues presented, with the truth. that's all he can do.
friends, let's pray for governor huckabee. pray that God will sustain him, as he perseveres through the media and opponents' attacks. and pray that americans will see past the 'spin', and seek and see the truth.
prayer is our weapon... for we serve a mighty God!
"the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. on the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 corinthians 10:4
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